Clean up the mess and redirect your dog outside. This can create an anxiety issue or break the bond between pet and owner. Don't punish your dog by rubbing his nose in his accident. Even if they understand that they aren't supposed to go in the house, they may not understand the severity of their actions.
The smell they leave is a way of communicating with other animals. Since dogs often mark their territory in many places outdoors, it can be hard for puppies to learn not to do the same thing in the house. Keep a calm voice and use clear, simple commands.ĭon't rub your dog's nose in an accident: Sometimes it takes a puppy a little while to learn where it's acceptable to relieve himself. Or, even worse, yelling could agitate or excite your pup, which might encourage negative behaviors. However, if all the disciplining you do just sounds like loud noise to your dog, he'll eventually begin to tune you out. Dog's struggle to connect the punishment with the action they committed, so they are likely not to change their negative behavior, but rather become fearful and less prone to listen.ĭon't yell or scream at your dog: Your dog understands the difference between your normal voice and shouting voice, just as you understand the difference between a bark and his play sounds. Physical discipline also can make the problem worse. If you're ever feeling like the discipline is getting out of your control, it's time to hire a professional trainer or ask for assistance from your friends or family members. There is a never a reason to hit, shake or intimidate your dog. It goes without saying that you should never lay a hand on your dog to discipline him, even if you're extremely frustrated. The Don'ts of Disciplining a Dogĭon't physically discipline your dog: You love your pets like family, so you'd never want to hurt your dog. Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot. You want to make sure the punishment matches the action and you don't do anything to harm the bond you're currently building with your pet. If you can work with him on obedience training, disciplining a dog should be reasonably simple in the immediate moment and for the rest of his life! Before you begin, it's important to learn the do's and don'ts of how to discipline a dog. The good news is that dogs tend to be fast learners. Of course, there will be mistakes as your dog learns, but if you know how to discipline a dog and redirect him, you'll have the best behaved pup on your street. Proper training and supportive encouragement are the best ways to help a dog understand good behavior from bad. A well-trained puppy is the dream of every new pet parent, but there's no need for it to be just a dream.